BUDDHISM
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The event, titled ‘Buddha Dhamma and the Culture of Northeast India’, aims to emphasize the Northeast's important role as a hub for Buddhist practices, monastic life, and cultural heritage.
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According to Abhijit Halder, Director-General of the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), a global organization based in New Delhi, the region has played a vital role in preserving and promoting diverse Buddhist traditions, including Theravāda, Mahāyāna, and Vajrayāna.
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Halder also noted that various indigenous communities in Northeast India have harmoniously blended Buddha Dhamma with their own customs. He highlighted the example of Theravāda Buddhism in the Namsai district, calling it an inspiring example of spiritual perseverance, cultural strength, and contemporary revival. One of the key goals of the conclave, he said, is to showcase this unique legacy to the global audience
Buddhism originated in India around the 5th to 6th centuries BCE, during what historians describe as the "Second Urbanisation"—a period marked by significant socio-cultural shifts in the Gangetic plains. It arose alongside other non-orthodox traditions like Jainism as a reaction against the rigid, ritual-heavy practices of Vedic Hinduism.
The Four Noble Truths
At the heart of the Buddha’s teachings lie the Four Noble Truths:
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The Truth of Suffering (Dukkha): Suffering is an inherent part of human existence. Life is marked by pain, dissatisfaction, and the inevitability of loss.
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The Truth of the Origin of Suffering (Dukkhasamudaya): Suffering has a cause, rooted in a chain of twelve interconnected elements known as the dvādaśa nidāna or bhavachakra (wheel of becoming). These links are:
(i) Avidyā (ignorance),
(ii) Samskāra (karmic formations),
(iii) Vijñāna (consciousness at conception),
(iv) Nāmarūpa (mind and body),
(v) Ṣaḍāyatana (six sense organs),
(vi) Sparśa (contact),
(vii) Vedanā (sensation),
(viii) Tṛṣṇā (craving),
(ix) Upādāna (attachment),
(x) Bhava (becoming),
(xi) Jāti (birth),
(xii) Jarā-maraṇa (aging and death). -
The Truth of the Cessation of Suffering (Nirodha): Liberation from suffering is possible. When ignorance (Avidyā), the root cause, is eliminated, the chain of dependent links collapses, ultimately ending suffering.
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The Truth of the Path Leading to the End of Suffering (Magga): There is a practical path to overcome suffering, known as the Eightfold Path, which guides individuals toward enlightenment and freedom from the cycle of rebirth and suffering
The Eightfold Path is elaborated in the Mahāparinibbāna Sutta found in the Dīgha Nikāya of the Sutta Piṭaka. By following this path, an individual can achieve ultimate enlightenment and eliminate suffering by eradicating ignorance, which is the root cause. The path consists of eight interconnected principles:
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Right Understanding (Sammā diṭṭhi)
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Right Intention (Sammā saṅkappa)
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Right Action (Sammā kammanta)
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Right Speech (Sammā vācā)
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Right Effort (Sammā vāyāma)
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Right Livelihood (Sammā ājīva)
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Right Mindfulness (Sammā sati)
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Right Concentration (Sammā samādhi)
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Three Gems
Buddhism prescribes the three gems (triratna) as the means of liberation. These are: 1. Knowledge (Prajñā), 2. Conduct (śila), and 3. Meditation (samādhi) |
The Buddha aimed to guide people toward liberation, and to effectively communicate his message to the general population, he chose to teach in the Pāli language. His teachings were later compiled into a sacred Buddhist text known as the Tipiṭaka, which translates to "Three Baskets" and is held in the highest regard within the Buddhist tradition.
This canonical text is divided into three main sections:
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Sutta Piṭaka (the "Basket of Discourses") – the most extensive section, containing the Buddha’s teachings, sermons, and some religious verses.
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Vinaya Piṭaka (the "Basket of Discipline") – focused on the codes of conduct and rules governing the monastic community or sangha.
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Abhidhamma Piṭaka – a more analytical and philosophical segment that delves deeper into Buddhist doctrines and psychological teachings
Following the death of the Buddha, his disciples began interpreting his teachings in varied ways, which eventually led to doctrinal differences and the rise of distinct branches of Buddhism, namely Theravāda, Mahāyāna, and Vajrayāna.
Theravāda Buddhism
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Considered the most traditional and orthodox form of Buddhism, Theravāda adherents identify as followers of the theras—venerable elder monks—committed to the early teachings.
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It is primarily practiced in South and Southeast Asia. Philosophical sub-sects under the broader Hinayāna category include Vaibhāsika and Sautrāntika.
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Theravāda emphasizes the historical figure of Gautama Buddha and stays true to his original teachings and monastic discipline. It focuses on personal enlightenment through meditation and self-control.
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The scriptures of this tradition are composed in the Pāli language. Emperor Ashoka played a key role in its dissemination.
Mahāyāna Buddhism
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Originating in the 1st century CE, Mahāyāna doctrines were further refined during the Fourth Buddhist Council held under Emperor Kanishka in Kashmir.
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Central to Mahāyāna thought is the ideal of the Bodhisattva—a compassionate being who forgoes final liberation in order to assist others on their spiritual journey.
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This tradition is dominant in northern and northeastern parts of Asia. Its key philosophical schools include Yogācāra and Mādhyamika.
Vajrayāna Buddhism
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Vajrayāna evolved out of Mahāyāna during the 6th–7th centuries CE. It found its stronghold in regions such as Bengal, Bihar, and Tibet, where it continues to be practiced.
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In this tradition, enlightenment is believed to be attainable through esoteric rituals and the acquisition of mystical powers, symbolized by the Vajra (meaning thunderbolt or diamond).
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Vajrayāna also places emphasis on female deities, who are seen as powerful forces (Shakti) behind male Buddhas or Bodhisattvas. These divine consorts, especially the Tārās, are revered as saviors in this sect
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For Prelims: Dalai Lama, Janang tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, reincarnation, Khalkha Jetsun Dhampa,
For Mains:
1. What is Tibetan Buddhism? Discuss the Hierarchy and Reincarnation in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions1. With reference to the history of philosophical thought in India, consider the following statements regarding Sankhya school: (UPSC 2013)
1. Sankhya does not accept the theory of rebirth or transmigration of the soul.
2. Sankhya holds that it is self-knowledge that leads to liberation and not any exterior influence or agent.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: 2
2. Which one of the following describes best the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism?
A. The extinction of the flame of desire
B. The complete annihilation of self
C. A state of bliss and rest
D. A mental stage beyond all comprehension
Answer: A
3. With reference to Indian history, who among the following is a future Buddha, yet to come to save the world? (UPSC 2018)
A. Avalokiteshvara
B. Lokesvara
C. Maitreya
D. Padmapani
Answer: C 4. With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2016)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
5. Lord Buddha’s image is sometimes shown with the hand gesture called ‘Bhumisparsha Mudra’. It symbolizes (2012) (a) Buddha’s calling of the Earth to watch over Mara and to prevent Mara from disturbing his meditation
(b) Buddha’s calling of the Earth to witness his purity and chastity despite the temptations of Mara
(c) Buddha’s reminder to his followers that they all arise from the Earth and finally dissolve into the Earth, and thus this life is transitory
(d) Both the statements (a) and (b) are correct in this context
Answer: B |
Source: The Indian Express
